Know your Factory Farm Five: Cindy Greiman

Iowa’s Environmental Protection Commissioner Cindy GreimanFive out of the nine Iowa Environmental Protection Commissioners own, or have a direct financial interest, in factory farms. Despite this blatant conflict of interest, they sit on the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC).The EPC is deciding whether or not to strengthen the Clean Water Act rule on August 19. Strengthening the rule means addressing the factory farm manure pollution that has contributed to Iowa’s 630 polluted waterways. Here’s a closer look at one of those meant to protect our environment, and why she should absolutely recuse herself from a vote.Cindy GreimanAppointed to the EPC on May 1, 2013, by Governor Branstad

• District sales manager for Monsanto.
• Runs a combined cattle feedlot/confinement housing 3,794 head with her husband Ed
  • Cindy often represents the Greiman Brothers LLC in interactions with the DNR
  • Said this about her factory farm: ‘ “We treat it like a business,” Cindy said, “and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to build. Today it contains owned acreage as well as some leased property.  “Ed and I work it along with my brother-in-law, Matt, and his family.  He has three children that help out.” ’
  • Serves on the Cattle Beef Board, an industry group.
  • An officer for the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
    • Her husband Ed is currently the President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
      • In an interview with High Plains Journal, Ed was asked “What keeps you up at night?” His answer was: “Regulation… Everything we deal with on a daily basis with the government… We’re always pushing back on that.”

Despite her agricultural background, Greiman fills the “Commerce/Finance” seat on the EPC.Cindy Greiman needs to hear from more Iowans like you that we want strong rules that protect our water. www.cleanwaterfight.org